Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan has backed Thomas Partey to win the 2018 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.

The Atlético Madrid star is in stiff competition with four other top players to grab the prestigious award.

Partey deservedly earned his spot after an outstanding year, helping Atletico Madrid to Europa Cup glory and finishing the season as runners up in the La Liga. He played over 50 games for the Spanish giants last season.

The other nominees are Medhi Benatia (Morocco), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal), Sadio Mane (Senegal) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt).

Gyan, who won the award in 2010 during his days with English side Sunderland insists it is Partey’s time to win it.

"I am very happy for him (Partey), I won it and Andre Ayew also won so I believe it is his time to also win it," Gyan told footballghana.com

"He deserves the nomination because he has done enough for both club and country so i will urge all Ghanaians to vote for him so he can win it.